A mysterious fire has destroyed a boys’ dormitory at Lwerudeso Primary School in Nakyenyi, Lwengo District, leaving property worth millions of shillings reduced to ashes.
The fire, whose cause remains unknown, broke out at around 10:00 p.m. while pupils were attending evening preps. Despite frantic efforts by teachers, parents, and nearby residents, nothing was salvaged.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames quickly engulfed the dormitory.
“We noticed flames shooting through the windows, and by the time we rushed to respond, the fire had already spread rapidly. We tried to save the children’s belongings, but it was impossible,” teachers said.
Fortunately, no injuries or loss of life were reported, as pupils were not inside the dormitory at the time of the incident.
School staff said the fire was first detected when teachers on duty saw flames emerging from the dormitory windows. However, rescue efforts were hampered by metal grills installed on the windows, which made access difficult.
Police in Lwengo, led by Officer-in-Charge Julius Musaazi, responded to the scene but found the structure already fully engulfed.
“By the time we arrived, the dormitory had been completely overtaken by fire, making it difficult to access or save any property,” Musaazi said.
Parents and teachers expressed shock, noting that the exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Initial suspicions of an electrical fault were ruled out after it was confirmed that power supply to the building was still active.
The incident has raised concerns over safety standards at the school. Observers noted the absence of basic fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, fire alarms, and surveillance systems. The presence of permanent metal grills on windows has also been cited as a potential factor that worsened the situation by limiting emergency access.
Regional Police Spokesperson for Masaka, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed that investigations have been launched.
“We have opened inquiries to establish the cause of the fire. We urge school administrators to prioritize safety by installing fire detection systems and firefighting equipment,” he said.
Police have also urged schools to comply with safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education to prevent similar incidents.
The fire destroyed pupils’ belongings, including mattresses, books, and clothing, leaving many learners without essential items. Parents are now calling for urgent support from authorities and well-wishers as the school begins recovery efforts.
